Tuesday, September 5, 2017

I know you've seen the news about Hurricane Harvey and what's happened in Houston. But I wanted to tell you some things you might not know about Texas and about Texans.

I was born in New York, but my parents moved to Texas on my third birthday, so as one of our bumper stickers says - I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could. Even as a three year old, I wasn't ready for the state. For the first little while (my birthday is in August), I would faint in the heat. They put a big hat and gloves on me. But that didn't last long - I think you acclimate to heat faster than cold, and I never knew anything else but Texas from then on.

All my life, though, I of course noticed we were stereotyped - even as a young child I felt it. We were "flyover country", I heard that in every election of my life. Or we were rednecks. Or people made fun of us when someone with an accent was interviewed after a tornado. Even the show Dallas made fun of us. I always felt like the only movie that didn't was Giant, and I loved that movie. John Wayne too, respected Texas, as did James Michener and Larry McMurtry.

When I went to college (back to upstate New York), I saw people mentally subtract 20 points from my IQ when I opened my mouth and my y'all came out. People asked me if I rode a horse to school. Also - all the boys thought I was in love with them because I would make eye contact and say hi to every single person I passed. Sorry boys - I'm just friendly! Texas is, in fact, so different from New York, that a sparkly belt can mean people mistake you for a hooker - true story here.

In a class my freshman year, on the first day, during introductions, my professor actually MOCKED me - repeated what I said trying to recreate my accent. I stood up, described specifically what he could do with himself (much to the surprise of my acceptably accented New York classmates) and stomped to the Dean's office to drop the class and unload a tirade which I'm quite sure his grandchildren heard about. Texans know how to take care of themselves, which is what you're seeing on the news. You have to in a place of extremes. I grew up with strange creatures in my yard - horny toads, zebra beetles, roaches the size of Louisiana, copperhead snakes our dog would guard us from, poisonous caterpillars (learned that when I caught one in preschool and the teacher wigged out, put it in a jar and lectured us for an hour), giant crawdads marching up the street from the creek, butterflies the size of your head, tornadoes, hurricanes and on and on. Most of the things in the environment here are trying to kill you, and the rest are really, really beautiful.

From first grade through twelfth, we learned Texas history. Yes, there's that much of it. We were our own country after all - I still refer to my home state as the Great Republic. Even our amusement park tips its hat to our history - Six Flags Over Texas. Did you know Texas has the authority to divide into up to five states without federal approval? Has your state had a war for independence from Mexico? My schools were named after, among other things, presidents of our former Republic. PRESIDENTS. I went to Sul Ross elementary, Lamar middle school, Stephen F. Austin junior high.

I tell you all that because what you need to know about Texans is that we identify as Texans first before anything else. It's stronger than our national identity or any other group we are a part of. Even outside of this country, if someone asks me where I'm from, I don't say America, or Austin - I say Texas. And for this reason, our fellow Texans are the most precious living things in the entire world. THAT is why you see what you see in Texas right now. THAT is why our awesome grocery store chain, HEB, were the real first responders, and that's why the guy in the monster truck pulling a submerged Army vehicle out of the flood waters, or the guy in the bass boat, are our heroes. That's why it doesn't matter if people make fun of those exact people when you see them on TV. We know exactly who they are. They are our neighbors. They are our fellow Texans. And if they need help, we will help them. And if we need help, they will help us. And yes, without stopping to ask who they voted for, or what color they are, or who they are married to. That is who we are. And as Larry McMurtry said in 1968 "Texas is rich in unredeemed dreams." There's more where all this is coming from. We thank you for your prayers, donations, cards and well wishes. And we say thank you for applauding the character of the people of our great state. They deserve it.

NOW to some very exciting crafty news - IT'S MY MONTHLY HERO DAY!!! It's so exciting when their kit lines up with a seasonal theme, and that's the case this month - it's all about fall.

In the spirit of Texas independence though - this year I'm liberating myself from fall colors and going 100% rogue. I'm focusing on bright, happy colors on my fall cards, and it's amazing what a difference it makes - it really helps show you how you can use your traditional fall imagery all year. Also - where I live in Texas, we don't have fall. We don't have much besides summer - so I can make this imaginary fall thing any color I want. BOOYA.

So let's start, before the kit sells out. I will start with the kit, because it's while supplies last - but remember - the add-ons are NOT limited time, so you don't have to worry about them selling out.

THE KIT IS AMAZING! I love sunflowers, and by all means - please make them blue :).

The flowers in the kit are layering, and come with matching dies, and oh. my. gosh. are they heavenly. LOOK AT THEM IN BLUES!!! (inks listed below). I used the coordinating dies from the kit, and I thought the sentiment looked nice in Indigo instead of black. See below for the unexpected color combo on the stalks and leaves!

BE STILL MY HEART on the add-ons! Geez Louise - if a company asked me what I thought would be the perfect stamp - my answer would be A STARRY NIGHT SKY. Starry Night is absolutely my favorite piece of art on earth. I love how Van Gogh saw the world, and I truly do believe he painted what he saw. If you love Van Gogh as much as I do and want to cry your eyes right out feeling like you get a glimpse inside his head, please watch this - it's beautiful. The full episode is also amazing.

I embossed the background with white embossing powder on watercolor paper, and then watercolored it with Daniel Smith watercolor (colors below). Then I used the Oval Infinity dies to cut a piece of watercolor paper for a little planet, and watercolored that and the kitty. The sentiment is from Dream Big and the kitty is from the Purr bundle. I love this card, I'm not gonna lie. And combining Neutral Tint with bright colors (or any colors) is something I never grow tired of - that's what I did on the planet with New Gamboge.

Now back to fall with a bright pop of pink! I had a Gel Press print that I had done with Quinacridone Pink paint that I dug out of my print pile so I could make the card that was in my head - just a high contrast, unexpected combo for fall. I inlaid just half of the inner pieces of the Autumn Icons die cuts in white - each of them are exactly divided into balanced halves, so I thought it would be fun just to do half. The sentiment is from the add-on set Color Layering Thanksgiving.

Now the next one really actually gets me in the feels even though it's hilarious. My sweet friend Angelique tweeted me a link to the sweetest birthday blog hop ever, from long ago, before my friend Leslie passed away. These were the BEST days on Twitter, and I treasure my friends from there so much. Our mascot became the blue squirrel from thence forward, and so when I saw this particular add-on, I knew that I had to make this snarky card for Leslie, and Angelique and that unique community that developed in such an unlikely place - the confines of 140 characters. So happy freakin' birthday, weirdo. :) I got you a blue squirrel.

Next up - a rainbow pumpkin! This die is from Autumn Icons again, and I thought I'd try a watercolor die cut inlay. So I cut one pumpkin in black and one in watercolor paper. I watercolored the watercolor paper one and pieced it back in. I've linked to the watercolor below, but the colors I used are Quinacridone Pink, New Gamboge, Phthalo Blue Green Shade, Aussie Red Gold. Then I used a grey pencil (below) to shade each section to give it dimension. I used my stencil brushes to create the background with the Glorious Petal stencil and Soft Granite Ink. The layers were cut with the Oval Infinity Dies and the sentiment is from the kit.

Now to the one that started my whole fiendishly bright fall trend - THE POP ART SQUIRREL CARD. I thought it would be fun to deconstruct the layered squirrel into three separate images and feature them on pop art colors. Now there was a tragedy on the way to this card. First, I masked off the squares using this tape on this cardstock. Then I painted each square with the colors of Radiant watercolor listed below. THEN I SPILLED A WHOLE BOTTLE OF PEACOCK BLUE RADIANT WATERCOLOR ONTO THE CARD. I did not cry but I may have cussed a little. However, I realized through the disaster, that that was the wrong color anyway, so when I redid it I did it with a much better blue. I left the tape in place and stamped the squirrel layers in Versafine before removing the tape. So hilarious. The Radiant colors used are Fuchsia, Chartreuse, Daffodil Yellow and Tangerine.

Finally - what fall card lineup is complete without cats?? I die cut the cats from Luna the Halloween Cat Stamp Set and matching Frame Cuts using watercolor paper and painted them and the hat and kettle. Then I glued them all down and stamped the bubbles in Green Apple ink. The hat and the kettle are popped up on dimensionals - you can see the shadows. The rest are glued down.

So want to see even MORE inspiration and have your chance to win the kit? Or a refund if you've purchased it. All you have to do is comment on every stop on the hop by 9/11 at 11:59 PM PT!

I love what you had to say about Texas!!! My oldest daughter got a job in south Texas after graduating from college and a few years later she convinced her sister to move to Texas when her husband was having a hard time finding a job after college. From the first visit, I realized that Texas was different and WONDERFUL! I love Texas and Texans and that now includes two daughters, two sons-in-law (one native Texan), and three grandchildren! Though I am an Ohioan through and through--if I ever move, it will be to Texas! Like you, I was not surprised to see how Texans jumped in and helped each other after this disaster. And, I truly believe that Texas will come back even stronger--Texans are a special breed. If you've never been there, go visit--you won't be sorry!!!Now for your cards--how wonderful they all are!!! I love the pop art squirrel and the blue sunflower and all the others! Thanks for sharing your story and your inspiration! (Peg)

I think I just heard a mic drop!! You go girl! I love what you created and I love this release. The Squirrel especially because my best friend hates them ( she is over run, think Geico commercial) so I make her squirrel cards, ha!

Amazed at the number of fantastic, non-traditional cards have created. Love em all, maybe the pop art squirrel best but gosh the blue sunflowers are so much nicer than orange. What the heck. I love em all!

I totally love all of your cards and the bright, colorful cheer that they brought to my day. But your story about Texas is incredibly beautiful and touching. You truly have a gift for writing, Lydia. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. It's been amazing and emotional to watch everyone helping each other. A beautiful thing to see. God bless Texas!

LOVE these cards Lydia! Fall can be whatever you make of it, as you aptly show With these gorgeous creations. Thanks for sharing your love for Texas, this Oregon girl has only seen a small part of it as I traveled to Mississippi to live for a short time long ago, I'd like to come back and see more!

Just as you love Texas I am from Buffalo and have experienced the hard-working neighbors who have assisted friends and family through blizzards and monumental snowfalls and ice storms. I applaud your fierce loyalty to the heroes we see on TV assisting the people of Houston and surrounding ares with the devastating effect of Harvey. An inspiring crew! Love your work and your fierce loyalty to the people of Texas!

Lydia, beautiful cards today and yes I love people who occasionally go rogue! I am fierce Canadian and my heart goes out to all of you in Texas and other parts of the US who are dealing with hurricanes. Just know that we are all thinking of you up north as well! I used to live in NS and we got the tail end of hurricanes and some were pretty bad but I can't imagine what y'all been going though for the last 10 days or so. My heart goes out to you and your neighbors!

Glad to see the use of bright, non- traditional colors. Love your Texas attitude as well ;) my heart goes out to everyone affected by the storm. I cannot imagine the pain and struggle to come. Love and light.

I enjoyed your post about being from Texas. I'm in NY. We aren't that social here. Lol! I've had people come here from other states and be like "what's up with NY'ers y'all are grumpy" haha anyways I love what you did with the blue ink on the flowers! Gorgeous.

hahah so true! People thought I was nuts when I said hi! :) One time I said "be careful" (totally normal for us - it's like "be safe") when someone was leaving a party and she whipped around and said "is that a threat???" I almost died of shock! :)Thanks for your comment!

Your discourse on Texas made me a little weepy. I live in Houston and am seeing first hand the lows from the towers of drywall lining the streets to the highs of JJ and Matress Mac. Like you, I was not born here but I am proud to say my son was! When work forced us to move, we got ourselves right back here as soon as we retired. We were hit hurricane hard and are coming back fast and HOUSTON STRONG! So thanks for your beautiful words. As lovely as your cards are, I think you should be a writer. And this Hero release is amazing too!!

Wowsers! Love all the cards....blinked twice at the blue squirrel and laughed. I do love this kit AND all the add-ons. I loved your Texas pride commentary. When people stand together and identify as one, we are ALL stronger and BETTER than anything small or nasty. And I am still laughing to think of your Texas red hot at that dumb professor....well, bless his heart, right? And then, kick his rump! Thanks for sharing it all!!

Bwahaha! He did NOT even get a bless your heart that day I promise. I'm quite sure he learned a few new words and combinations of words. He actually turned white while I was expounding :) and I so agree with you xo

Love your colorful shift from Fall. While it's still my favorite season, I remember coloring one blue pumpkin in a row of orange one when I was in 1st grade. While my teacher wasn't able to step outside the box, I never gave up on creative coloring. Thanks for bringing back this memory with your choices.

I love your cards and especially the blue squirrel one that says "happy birthday you weirdo". Made me laugh out loud and I had to get it! Thank you for all the inspiration on your cards...they are all so cool.

I'm totally over the moon that you told your professor what you thought!! I'm also NOT totally surprised! BUT I will always remember this story and that is what a great story teller is all about! You are colors and art and painting and story telling and THAT heart of yours!! :)

God bless Texas and Texans! I'm from Pittsburgh and love Texas - except during a football game! lol This post was full of so many wonderful things! You are so talented and creative! I do love this month's kit and can't wait to play with it when it comes.

Love your rouge attitude, Lydia, & all your gorgeous funky colored cards! Those blue Sunflowers are totally awesome & that rainbow pumpkin is amazing! I got married to my super husband in Houston 44 years ago & it has such fabulous memories for me. My then fiancee was working there for the summer & I don't think we ever met a stranger. Wonderful, TOUGH, fun people!! I loved all your stories. You Texans are all inspiring!!

Your cards are....WOW! I love how you've used such bright and unexpected colors for these stamps! But you did say you were going rogue - so glad you did! Blue sunflowers and squirrels? LOVE them!!! All of your cards are awesome and it's hard to pick a fave. The rainbow cats are so fun and your Pop Art Squirrel card is brilliant, in my opinion! I think Texans continue to show what amazingly strong people they are!

I love your shift from autumn colors. Makes me laugh at the blue sunflower and squirrel. Great kit for fall. I love your description of Texas and Texans and it makes me sorry I'm not one! My heart and prayers are with all those touched by Harvey.

I would have LOVED to have been a fly on the wall when you gave that professor the what-for! My husband and I visited your state/country :-) last March and it makes my heart ache to think of some of the places we visited, drove through, etc., being obliterated by the deluge of rain. Praying that Texans continue to live up to their well-earned reputation and the rest of us in this great country don't forget y'all when you are no longer plastered all over the media.

wow... just WOW!! your cards are seriously amazing... especially love the first one and had to chuckle at the fun little blue squirrel!! and thank you for sharing your story!! it is sad that people in other states make fun of Texas... I think they are just jealous!! :)

Wow, I love them all!! They would all make my "favorite of the week" list! Your blue is crazy amazing. The starry night stamp, oh my, I believe Seth would love every card I would make from that. He had just studied Van Gogh when we saw that Dr. Who episode. I am pretty sure it's his favorite. My neighbor gave me a huge cheap print of one of his flower vase works and Seth took it straight up to his room even though his room is otherwise totally a young guy cave. Thanks for inspiring with your immense talent and unique way of looking at the world! Your Texan story had me teary-eyed. Giant and Alamo (1960) are what I think of when I think Texas. :)

Howdy from Central TX. Grew up E coast of FL. Moved to TX in the 80s. Like your variety of creations. Like the colorful way you transformed the creations with unique different colors.Melissa"Sunshine HoneyBee"

Love your cards...I'm a proponent of alternative colors myself! Thanks for all the great ideas; hopefully, you will find therapy in your art. :-) My son is a Coastie and will be helping in Texas soon as it is in his sector-our hearts are with you.

Love how you've used this incredible kit! The blue sunflowers are stunning! Hubby's son-in-law is Texan through & through--born & grew up near Houston, so I totally understand what you wrote! Hoping all the millions of dollars raised actually get to the people who need it!

Your story touched my heart. Thank you for sharing that. And your cards are fantastic! My favorite is of course The Squ-arhol images (yup, I named them). My sunflowers are going to be different colors too! Stef White aka @laverygrey

Stereotyping is one thing that irks me. We are all people and can learn from one another. Now that fascinates me. We all live different lives in different places, but we are all people. Once I get comfortable around someone, I most likely will ask a lot of questions....simply because people and their journeys interest me. My Sisters moved to Texas a few years ago. I have been able to visit once. My first experience was the Houston airport on a Friday and yes it was rush traffic. (Next time I will try flying into Austin.) I drove to College Station after I sat and acclimated myself. My entire visit was filled with super nice people. I also noticed that when we visited Arkansas a couple years ago. It is too darn hot and humid in the South for me. I am a lifelong Michigan girl and moved to the West Lakeshore a year ago. It is quite different on this side of the state. More relaxed and people are more friendly. People are people =) Have a beautiful weekend <3

I love the colors in your world! It reminds me of how a child colored until an adult interfered and changed their perspective. Keep ignoring those adults and show us the many colors of your world so we can be part of it as well.

I...I can't. This post. The cards. I have no words. I'll try though...these may be some of the coolest cards I've ever seen, and the card-making bug has bit me hard and I've done nothing but look at cards for the past several weeks. But these are a class all their own. I will not look at my stamps the same way again, and that's a great thing. <3

Super gorgeous creations! I looove the starry night one! I really understand what you say about being an "outsider" in your own country! I'm from a 3-island archpelago, super tiny! I'm from the smaller island, and went to the only one university on the bigger island. Some funny guys there say that we don't have internet or that we live with animals and make fun of our accent. But what I say is, they're just jealous I live on the more beautiful island <3 :p

Every time you leave a comment, a new LOLcat is born. ALSO - don't panic if you don't see your comment right away - I moderate my comments to keep those spammers out, so your comment will show up in short order. Unless you're linking me to Russian brides or Nigerian princes.

Hi. I'm Lydia. I'm the Community Manager at Splitcoast by day, an artist, a teacher and an animal lover in every other moment. I am an independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and I participate in affiliate programs at Blick Art Materials and others, and may receive small compensation when you purchase using my links, at no additional cost to you. Any products provided to me for free by a manufacturer are designated with an *.

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All of my projects are posted for your instruction & enjoyment. You may recreate these projects to your heart's content and I'll be flattered. I'd love it if you give me credit. It would be cool if you didn't submit them for publication though or sell them and make a million dollars, because that's bad karma. Unless you split it with me. My photos and my words belong completely to me and can't be reused or republished, so you gotta make your own. That means you have an excuse to buy glitter. I participate in affiliate programs at Blick Art Materials and others, which means I may receive a small fee when you purchase using my links at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your contribution towards the cost of running this blog.

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